Beyond the Beach: Ixtapa's Cala de Mar focuses on holistic wellness
Ixtapa’s Cala de Mar Resort & Spa says it’s quite possible that its guests will return home from their Mexican vacation considerably healthier than they were when they arrived.
Resort sales director Elena Atristain says the property can easily cater to health-conscious individuals seeking a holiday that doesn’t simply involve soaking up rays on Mexico’s sun-splashed Pacific coast.
“At Cala de Mar, wellness is at the very heart of the guest experience,” she says. “Envisioned as a sanctuary for disconnection and wellness, the hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a fully relaxing experience. Outdoor yoga sessions and activities like guided bike rides encourage balance between body and mind. The culinary offering follows the same philosophy: fresh seafood and thoughtfully crafted vegetarian dishes celebrate local tradition with a healthy, conscious approach.
“Yes, our sun-drenched cliffs and Pacific vistas draw visitors seeking beach time but our El Capricho Spa, Zen Zone and signature rituals transform a seaside vacation into a holistic retreat. From sunrise yoga on the cliff-edge deck to marine-inspired body treatments, every moment is designed to soothe body, mind and spirit. For Canadian travelers used to crisp northern climates, our warm sea breeze, mineralrich salt scrubs and indigenous-inspired therapies offer a welcome reset you simply won’t find in a standard beach resort.
“Our integrated approach – combining movement (yoga and guided walks), mindful breathwork, hydrotherapies and nutrient-rich cuisine – helps guests leave feeling lighter, more balanced and energized. Many Canadians tell us they sleep better, carry less stress and even adopt new self-care rituals they discovered here. Whether you add a Capricho Therapy, a private temazcal ceremony or daily breathwork in the Zen Zone, you’ll return home with tools – and memories – to sustain your wellness long after your flight lands.”
Sculpted directly into the rocky cliffs just steps from the surf, the 6,000-square-foot El Capricho Spa has five private treatment rooms and an open-air massage suite, all overlooking the Pacific. Each treatment begins with a floral footpath and water ritual that includes steam, dry sauna, whirlpool, and rain showers. The spa’s menu is inspired by the local land and sea, utilizing traditional herbs, flowers, and fruits such as cacao, coffee, aloe, cactus, lemongrass, and toronjil, a lemon-scented blossom central to Aztec healing traditions.
Signature treatments include the Lemongrass & Toronjil Wrap, which detoxifies and improves skin condition, and the Amuzgo Herbal Massage, a centuries-old healing technique involving hot herbal poultices to release toxins and tension. Couples can indulge in the Yoloxochitl Couple’s Massage, named after the “heart flower,” or the Love Ritual, which combines tandem massages with custom facials for him and her.
A highlight of the spa is the Capricho Therapy, an 80-minute signature experience designed to nourish the body. The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation using locally sourced sea salts that cleanse and soften the skin. This is followed by a massage incorporating a variety of techniques tailored to relax the muscles and nervous system. Capricho Therapy is ideal for guests experiencing muscle tension, mental fatigue, or high levels of stress. The combination of exfoliation and massage promotes blood circulation and encourages a deep state of relaxation.
Each spa room is named in the indigenous Nahuatl language after native flowers such as Citlaxochitl (poinsettia), with hand-picked artwork and local design elements adding an authentic sense of place. For added serenity, guests can sip herbal tea and gaze at the waves between treatments in the spa lounges, each equipped with dry saunas, color-therapy steam rooms, and hydrotherapy areas.
Guests looking to harness the restorative power of water will find comfort in the Hydro ritual experience. This water-based therapy begins with a floral footpath and transitions into a guided circuit of temperature-contrast elements, including a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and a sensory shower. The contrast therapy is designed to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve muscle pain, and support tissue healing. Herbal teas and natural beverages are served before treatments in the spa’s lounge area. The one-hour Hydro ritual experience can be enhanced with additional offerings, including a glass of champagne, rose petal decoration, chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh juice, smoothies, or a healthy spa lunch.
Cala de Mar has further deepened its spiritual offerings with the addition of the Jatsima Temazcal, a private sweat lodge ceremony inspired by pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican traditions. Housed in a circular stone dome nestled on the cliffs, the temazcal ceremony is led by a local shaman and powered by healing herbs like rosemary, basil, and lemongrass from the resort’s own garden. Steam is created by gently pouring water over volcanic rocks, and the ritual serves as a full-body and soul purification. Guests are encouraged to sit, lie down, or move freely inside the temazcal to release physical and emotional burdens. The ceremony concludes with a refreshing open-air shower overlooking the ocean.
For those seeking daily grounding, Cala de Mar’s Zen Zone provides an open-air space for yoga, breathwork, or reflection. The space is purposefully designed as a tech-free area where guests can unplug and reconnect with nature and themselves. Meditation sessions here follow mindfulness practices that encourage being fully present, calm, and aware amid the sound of crashing waves.
“Yoga is offered throughout the resort, from the beach deck to the private terraces of guest suites, with curated routines for beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether joining a morning sun salutation or a twilight meditation, the resort invites guests to synchronize body and breath with the Pacific,” the resort adds.
Ixtapa doesn’t see as many tourists as such more established resorts as Cancun and Los Cabos but Atristain says she’s confident that there are many aspects to the destination that will win over visitors, among them “authenticity and intimacy. Unlike the larger hotel corridors of Cancun or Cabo, Ixtapa and its sister town Zihuatanejo blend boutique luxury with genuine Mexican character. You’ll find bustling local markets in Zihuatanejo, family run seafood stands on Playa La Ropa and artisan galleries tucked into colorful streets, experiences you won’t stumble upon in mass-market resorts.
“The rugged cliffs of Ixtapa create dramatic ocean views, perfect for clifftop yoga or sunrise pilates. The surfside energy here feels more adventurous and less crowded than the calm Caribbean seas.
“From mangrove kayaking to turtle-release programs, the region offers immersive ecotours. In Zihuatanejo’s cobblestone plaza you can hear live marimba bands or join a popup salsa lesson. It’s culture and conservation, side by side.
“In one destination you get cliffside spa escapes, vibrant local culture in Zihuatanejo, outstanding gourmet dining and outdoor pursuits (golf, snorkeling, ecotreks), all without the long transfers of Baja or the party atmosphere of Cancun.
Atristain says her resort has built a following in this country, with many of us returning annually.
“For our Canadian guests, we offer the Ixtapa Bliss stay — a special seven-night package where they only pay for five, aligned with the weekly flight frequency from Canada between October and March. I’m also excited to share that later this August, we’ll be launching a dedicated Canadian rate campaign. This will include added perks like complimentary room upgrades at the time of booking, exclusive discounts at our restaurants and bars, spa benefits, and more — all designed to make their stay even more rewarding.
“We can’t wait to help you discover why Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo are the Pacific best-kept secrets – see you on the cliff!”
More information on the area can be found at ixtapazihuatanejo.travel while further information about the resort is available at calademar.com.
